Avalanche Keep Rolling, Landeskog Talks Olympics, and Another Panthers-Lightning Throwdown
The Colorado Avalanche are making a habit out of jumping out early and not looking back. Wednesday night in San Jose, they did it again-grabbing a two-goal lead and holding on for a 4-2 win over the Sharks.
That’s now 32 games this season where Colorado has built a multi-goal cushion, and they’ve been nearly automatic in those situations. When this team gets ahead, they know how to close the door.
What’s even more impressive? They’re doing it without their captain.
Gabe Landeskog didn’t suit up, but he was very much in the spotlight before puck drop. The veteran forward met with the media and confirmed what many had hoped: he’s on track to represent his country at the upcoming Olympics.
After some uncertainty surrounding his health, that’s a big development-not just for Team Sweden, but for the Avs as well. A healthy Landeskog down the stretch could be a game-changer.
Around the NHL: Emotions Boil Over in Florida, Rangers Trade Evaluated, Penguins Stay Hot
The rivalry between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning has never lacked intensity, but Wednesday’s clash took things to another level. The Panthers were already having a rough night on the scoreboard, trailing big in the third, when tempers exploded.
Paul Maurice was tossed from the game, Brandon Hagel dropped the gloves with Matthew Tkachuk, and the benches nearly cleared. Tampa walked away with a 6-1 win, while Florida’s frustrating season continues to spiral.
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins are heating up at just the right time. They took down a red-hot Buffalo Sabres squad just before the break, adding another win to their recent surge. The Pens are playing with pace and confidence-two things that have been missing for stretches this season-and they’re starting to look like a team that could make some noise in the second half.
Meanwhile, trade chatter is picking up steam in New York. The Rangers’ acquisition of Artemi Panarin is being re-evaluated in light of recent performances, with analysts grading the move and its long-term impact. It’s a pivotal moment for a franchise that’s trying to balance win-now urgency with future flexibility.
And in San Jose, Kiefer Sherwood made his debut for the Sharks and wasted no time showing he belongs. He looked comfortable and engaged from the jump-a positive sign for a team looking to inject some new energy into the lineup.
Bottom Line
The Avalanche continue to show why they’re one of the league’s most dangerous teams when they play with a lead. Landeskog’s Olympic update adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling season.
And around the NHL, the action isn’t just on the scoreboard-rivalries are heating up, playoff races are tightening, and the trade market is starting to rumble. Buckle up.
February hockey is here, and it’s already delivering.